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and_o now_o after_o that_o they_o will_v free_o forgive_v and_o die_v in_o charity_n 4._o last_o the_o utmost_a and_o great_a thing_n that_o the_o sick_a or_o die_a sinner_n can_v do_v be_v to_o make_v strong_a and_o as_o to_o his_o present_a meaning_n most_o sincere_a resolution_n against_o his_o former_a evil_a course_n and_o for_o walk_v in_o all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n shall_v god_n continue_v his_o life_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o man_n usual_o trust_v unto_o in_o this_o extremity_n they_o hope_v god_n will_v accept_v of_o the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o that_o such_o unfeigned_a resolution_n shall_v pass_v for_o repentance_n now_o here_o i_o will_v desire_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o easy_a than_o to_o resolve_v well_o especial_o when_o we_o be_v under_o any_o fear_n or_o fright_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n however_o difficult_a or_o ungrateful_a or_o even_o impossible_a that_o man_n 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his_o own_o conscience_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o come_v off_o well_o at_o last_o in_o the_o final_a account_n and_o judgement_n then_o god_n will_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o sentence_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o public_o own_o and_o approve_v of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o clear_a and_o vindicate_v his_o innocency_n and_o reward_v his_o fidelity_n and_o constancy_n before_o all_o the_o world_n at_o that_o day_n when_o all_o our_o great_a undertaker_n and_o contriver_n of_o mischief_n all_o the_o cunning_a practiser_n of_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n shall_v lie_v down_o in_o shame_n when_o their_o secret_a art_n and_o base_a trick_n whereby_o they_o impose_v on_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v detect_v and_o proclaim_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o housetop_n and_o all_o their_o unworthy_a project_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o naked_a be_v strip_v of_o those_o specious_a pretence_n they_o here_o disguise_v they_o with_o when_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n 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that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o greatness_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o nor_o any_o thing_n do_v by_o we_o that_o bear_v the_o least_o proportion_n to_o such_o a_o ample_a recompense_n our_o best_a action_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o pardon_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o deserve_v to_o be_v crown_v all_o possible_a duty_n and_o obedience_n we_o certain_o owe_v to_o he_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v our_o being_n and_o shall_v god_n almighty_a have_v exact_v it_o from_o we_o only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o we_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n we_o have_v be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o all_o subjection_n to_o he_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v over_o and_o above_o promise_v to_o reward_v our_o faithfulness_n to_o he_o with_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v a_o most_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o his_o infinite_a grace_n and_o goodness_n second_o by_o this_o revelation_n of_o immortal_a life_n be_v far_o demonstrate_v the_o exceed_a great_a love_n of_o our_o ever_o bless_a saviour_n who_o by_o his_o death_n and_o perfect_a obedience_n not_o only_o purchase_v pardon_n for_o all_o our_o past_a rebellion_n and_o transgression_n not_o only_o redeem_v we_o from_o hell_n and_o destruction_n to_o which_o we_o have_v all_o render_v ourselves_o most_o just_o liable_a which_o alone_o have_v be_v a_o unspeakable_a favour_n but_o also_o merit_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o glory_n for_o we_o if_o with_o true_a repentance_n we_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o this_o if_o any_o thing_n show_v the_o infinite_a value_n and_o efficacy_n of_o our_o saviour_n appear_v on_o our_o behalf_n that_o by_o his_o most_o powerful_a mediation_n he_o obtain_v not_o only_a freedom_n from_o punishment_n but_o also_o unexpressible_o glorious_a reward_n for_o we_o vile_a and_o wretched_a sinner_n upon_o easy_a and_o most_o reasonable_a condition_n three_o this_o especial_o recommend_v our_o christianity_n to_o we_o which_o contain_v such_o glad_a tiding_n which_o propound_v such_o mighty_a argument_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n such_o as_o no_o other_o religion_n ever_o do_v or_o can_v for_o since_o hope_v and_o fear_n be_v the_o great_a hinge_n of_o all_o government_n and_o the_o most_o prevail_a passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n what_o better_a thing_n can_v be_v propound_v to_o our_o hope_n than_o to_o be_v as_o happy_a both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n as_o we_o can_v be_v and_o that_o for_o ever_o what_o more_o dreadful_a thing_n to_o our_o fear_n than_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v say_v or_o offer_v to_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o recover_v they_o to_o a_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o god_n law_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v call_v all_o man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o the_o deed_n they_o 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as_o that_o all_o his_o providence_n must_v needs_o serve_v only_o to_o vindicate_v and_o countenance_v our_o side_n and_o disparage_v those_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o we_o this_o be_v busy_o to_o pry_v into_o god_n secret_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a affront_n we_o can_v put_v upon_o he_o thus_o unwarrantable_o to_o pronounce_v concern_v his_o action_n as_o if_o we_o be_v of_o his_o cabinet-council_n and_o have_v particular_a revelation_n of_o all_o the_o design_n he_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o great_a matter_n and_o such_o as_o be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o for_o what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o can_v know_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n or_o who_o can_v think_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v for_o the_o thought_n of_o mortal_a man_n be_v miserable_a and_o our_o device_n be_v but_o uncertain_a and_o hardly_o do_v we_o guess_v aright_o at_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o with_o labour_n do_v we_o find_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n who_o have_v search_v out_o and_o god_n counsel_n who_o have_v know_v 3._o another_o instance_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o self-conceit_n may_v be_v in_o private_a and_o illiterate_a person_n pretend_v to_o expound_v the_o most_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o unfold_v and_o determine_v the_o most_o nice_a and_o curious_a question_n in_o theology_n there_o be_v enough_o in_o holy_a scripture_n plain_a and_o easy_a to_o employ_v the_o thought_n and_o life_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o these_o part_n of_o it_o though_o they_o alone_o contain_v our_o necessary_a duty_n be_v quite_o overlook_v at_o least_o not_o near_o so_o much_o study_v or_o regard_v as_o those_o that_o be_v most_o mysterious_a and_o dark_a and_o thus_o even_o among_o common_a people_n you_o will_v find_v not_o a_o few_o that_o be_v more_o positive_a and_o dogmatical_a 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godliness_n of_o all_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o fop_n that_o be_v there_o be_v none_o more_o impertinent_a troublesome_a and_o just_o ridiculous_a than_o a_o gift_a brother_n full_a of_o his_o vision_n and_o illumination_n who_o can_v split_v a_o hair_n and_o smell_v out_o a_o heresy_n i_o know_v not_o how_o far_o off_o who_o think_v that_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v it_o be_v good_a advice_n therefore_o of_o the_o wise_a son_n of_o sirach_n be_v not_o curious_a in_o unnecessary_a matter_n for_o more_o thing_n be_v show_v unto_o thou_o than_o man_n understand_v 4._o this_o sort_n of_o self-conceit_n which_o consist_v in_o meddle_v with_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o appear_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o oppose_v our_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o governor_n and_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o superior_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o public_a peace_n and_o order_n and_o a_o great_a many_o such_o there_o be_v who_o be_v never_o satisfy_v unless_o every_o thing_n be_v decree_v and_o appoint_v just_a as_o they_o themselves_o think_v best_o and_o most_o fit_a hence_o they_o spend_v most_o of_o their_o time_n and_o discourse_n in_o canvas_v and_o descant_v upon_o the_o action_n of_o their_o superior_n of_o which_o they_o be_v yet_o most_o incompetent_a judge_n in_o tax_v and_o inveigh_v against_o their_o proceed_n though_o never_o so_o far_o out_o of_o their_o sphere_n and_o capacity_n in_o find_v fault_n with_o their_o conduct_n and_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o their_o order_n and_o command_n what_o a_o happy_a world_n will_v there_o soon_o be_v think_v such_o a_o grave_a politician_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v settle_v according_a to_o that_o model_n which_o he_o have_v frame_v in_o his_o own_o conceit_n how_o well_o will_v the_o state_n be_v secure_v how_o quiet_o will_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v how_o decent_o will_v divine_a service_n be_v perform_v how_o will_v all_o interest_n and_o party_n be_v please_v how_o soon_o will_v all_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n vanish_v if_o he_o have_v but_o the_o management_n of_o affair_n or_o his_o counsel_n may_v be_v hear_v how_o soon_o will_v there_o be_v a_o thorough_a reformation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v amiss_o will_v the_o king_n but_o please_v to_o think_v he_o worthy_a of_o such_o a_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o short_a let_v thing_n be_v well_o or_o ill_o administer_v still_o if_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o in_o it_o he_o find_v matter_n of_o dislike_n and_o complaint_n or_o if_o it_o do_v chance_n that_o he_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o object_n yet_o he_o will_v give_v you_o a_o grave_a shrug_n or_o nod_v and_o shake_v his_o empty_a head_n as_o if_o all_o be_v not_o well_o and_o he_o know_v some_o great_a matter_n which_o he_o dare_v not_o utter_v alas_o what_o a_o unhappy_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o such_o a_o prodigious_a wise_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o regard_v thus_o every_o one_o almost_o conceit_v of_o his_o own_o politic_n invade_v the_o office_n of_o a_o counsellor_n of_o state_n and_o act_v a_o prince_n or_o bishop_n and_o positive_o determine_v what_o law_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v repeal_v what_o new_a one_o to_o be_v make_v what_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n ought_v to_o be_v retain_v what_o to_o be_v abrogate_a and_o thus_o we_o confound_v and_o disturb_v that_o order_n and_o subordination_n which_o god_n have_v place_v in_o the_o world_n and_o render_v the_o magistrate_n office_n altogether_o useless_a and_o as_o it_o be_v dethrone_v and_o depose_v those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o our_o governor_n to_z take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n and_o to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o shall_v seem_v to_o they_o most_o conduce_v thereto_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o whether_o we_o judge_v they_o expedient_a or_o not_o for_o if_o no_o law_n or_o constitution_n of_o our_o governor_n be_v to_o take_v place_n but_o only_o such_o as_o every_o one_o shall_v approve_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n will_v signify_v nothing_o but_o every_o man_n will_v be_v his_o own_o lord_n and_o master_n which_o will_v necessary_o introduce_v the_o great_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n 5._o and_o last_o hence_o it_o be_v man_n be_v so_o busy_a and_o pragmatical_a in_o intermeddle_v and_o interpose_v in_o the_o concern_v and_o private_a affair_n of_o their_o neighbour_n or_o any_o other_o they_o have_v the_o least_o knowledge_n of_o put_v their_o sickle_n into_o every_o man_n corn_n peep_v into_o every_o man_n house_n listen_v at_o every_o one_o window_n to_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o matter_n for_o censure_n and_o observation_n and_o by_o
they_o if_o he_o be_v not_o please_v with_o if_o he_o do_v not_o entertain_v such_o thought_n upon_o some_o other_o account_n there_o be_v no_o more_o religion_n or_o virtue_n in_o fix_v his_o mind_n upon_o god_n than_o there_o be_v in_o think_v of_o the_o sun_n or_o moon_n or_o star_n or_o any_o proposition_n in_o the_o mathematics_n or_o any_o other_o innocent_a thing_n or_o notion_n for_o thus_o a_o atheist_n may_v consider_v much_o god_n nature_n and_o attribute_n and_o providence_n only_o to_o pick_v a_o quarrel_n with_o he_o or_o find_v out_o something_o to_o object_n against_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o best_a man_n may_v and_o sometime_o must_v think_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a how_o else_o shall_v they_o ever_o repent_v of_o they_o beg_v god_n pardon_n for_o or_o resolve_v against_o they_o there_o be_v no_o read_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o any_o other_o history_n wherein_o the_o evil_a action_n and_o speech_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v record_v there_o be_v no_o live_v or_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n where_o so_o much_o evil_n be_v every_o day_n commit_v without_o think_v of_o that_o which_o be_v sinful_a but_o then_o in_o good_a man_n the_o thought_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v always_o with_o grief_n and_o detestation_n they_o think_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o hateful_a and_o pernicious_a to_o they_o as_o man_n think_v of_o a_o plague_n or_o mischance_n shiver_v at_o the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o and_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o it_o thus_o our_o thought_n be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v or_o count_v evil_n only_o from_o the_o object_n of_o they_o nor_o yet_o far_a by_o evil_a thought_n do_v i_o understand_v any_o sudden_a thought_n start_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n before_o we_o be_v aware_a which_o will_v not_o i_o believe_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o as_o sin_n though_o if_o consent_v to_o they_o be_v undoubted_o evil_a for_o nothing_o will_v be_v reckon_v to_o we_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o punish_v as_o such_o but_o what_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o voluntary_a and_o may_v have_v be_v help_v or_o avoid_v now_o such_o first_o motion_n of_o sin_n as_o we_o common_o call_v they_o which_o come_v upon_o we_o nobis_fw-la non_fw-la scientibus_fw-la nec_fw-la volentibus_fw-la without_o our_o knowledge_n and_o against_o our_o will_n be_v only_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o virtue_n when_o present_o check_v and_o contradict_v but_o when_o consent_v to_o and_o delight_v in_o they_o then_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a i_o shall_v first_o of_o all_o show_v you_o when_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v count_v voluntary_a and_o we_o be_v true_o and_o just_o answerable_a for_o they_o second_o propound_v to_o you_o some_o of_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n three_o lay_v down_o some_o practical_a rule_n for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o thought_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v when_o we_o be_v just_o answerable_a for_o our_o thought_n or_o when_o they_o may_v be_v reckon_v voluntary_a and_o here_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v these_o three_o instance_n 1._o when_o evil_a thought_n be_v plain_o occasion_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v voluntary_a in_o we_o than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v voluntary_a and_o sinful_a what_o our_o thought_n shall_v be_v depend_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o outward_a object_n that_o we_o converse_v most_o with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o will_v be_v often_o on_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o delight_v most_o in_o and_o accustom_v ourselves_o most_o unto_o so_o far_o forth_o therefore_o as_o our_o company_n discourse_n employment_n entertainment_n book_n recreation_n wine_n nay_o i_o may_v add_v diet_n too_o do_v contribute_v to_o the_o stir_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n wanton_a and_o lustful_a covetous_a or_o ambitious_a angry_a or_o revengeful_a thought_n so_o far_o be_v such_o thought_n voluntary_a in_o we_o and_o though_o they_o may_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o arise_v in_o our_o mind_n without_o any_o actual_a consent_n or_o command_v of_o our_o will_n yet_o we_o be_v just_o answerable_a for_o they_o as_o have_v by_o some_o wilful_a act_n of_o our_o own_o dispose_v ourselves_o for_o such_o thought_n by_o sensuality_n and_o looseness_n and_o intemperance_n and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o bodily_a pleasure_n man_n may_v so_o debase_v their_o mind_n that_o hardly_o any_o thought_n shall_v offer_v themselves_o but_o what_o be_v beastly_a and_o lewd_a or_o at_o best_o trifle_v and_o useless_a empty_a light_n vain_a foolish_a extravagant_a thought_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o idleness_n sloth_n pride_n and_o luxury_n so_o that_o though_o what_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o be_v not_o at_o all_o time_n in_o our_o power_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n to_o abstain_v from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o incite_v evil_a thought_n and_o minister_v fuel_n to_o they_o from_o all_o incentives_n or_o provocation_n to_o inordinate_a or_o filthy_a imagination_n and_o as_o far_o as_o we_o ourselves_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o raise_n up_o of_o evil_a thought_n in_o our_o mind_n so_o far_o be_v they_o voluntary_a and_o imputable_a to_o we_o 2._o when_o evil_a thought_n proceed_v from_o gross_a supine_n negligence_n and_o carelessness_n then_o be_v we_o accountable_a for_o they_o when_o we_o keep_v no_o guard_n at_o all_o over_o our_o mind_n and_o fancy_n but_o give_v they_o free_a liberty_n wild_o to_o rove_v and_o ramble_v and_o let_v what_o will_v come_v into_o our_o thought_n if_o they_o then_o prove_v vile_a and_o wicked_a it_o be_v very_o much_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o we_o must_v answer_v for_o they_o because_o we_o then_o willing_o prostitute_v our_o mind_n to_o every_o lust_n and_o vanity_n and_o when_o we_o set_v the_o door_n wide_o open_a without_o any_o watch_n or_o guard_n we_o must_v blame_v ourselves_o if_o dishonest_a man_n enter_v in_o sometime_o as_o well_o as_o good_a friend_n indeed_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o care_n to_o secure_v ourselves_o thief_n may_v perchance_o break_v in_o upon_o we_o or_o creep_v in_o unaware_o whilst_o we_o sleep_v or_o intermit_v our_o watch_n for_o we_o can_v be_v always_o upon_o the_o guard_n the_o enemy_n may_v sow_v some_o tare_n inject_n and_o dart_n in_o some_o evil_a thought_n though_o we_o keep_v never_o so_o strict_a a_o eye_n over_o ourselves_o and_o endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o keep_v our_o soul_n pure_a and_o chaste_a yet_o sometime_o by_o surprise_n through_o casual_a non-attendance_n and_o inadvertency_n or_o the_o cunning_a and_o activity_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n a_o base_a wicked_a thought_n may_v sudden_o possess_v our_o mind_n nay_o and_o abide_v in_o we_o for_o some_o time_n before_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o but_o then_o the_o mind_n be_v most_o passive_a in_o this_o it_o be_v ravish_v rather_o than_o voluntary_o commit_v lewdness_n this_o be_v our_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n only_o which_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o pity_v and_o pardon_n our_o soul_n be_v active_a and_o busy_a they_o cease_v to_o be_v and_o exist_v when_o they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o something_o or_o other_o now_o if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o furnish_v our_o mind_n continual_o with_o good_a and_o useful_a matter_n for_o our_o thought_n they_o will_v soon_o find_v out_o something_o else_o to_o exercise_v themselves_o upon_o and_o when_o we_o let_v they_o run_v loose_o and_o at_o random_n and_o think_v at_o all_o adventure_n as_o it_o happen_v we_o then_o tempt_v the_o devil_n to_o choose_v a_o subject_n for_o we_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o wildness_n and_o extravagance_n of_o our_o own_o vain_a imagination_n and_o when_o we_o keep_v no_o watch_n no_o wonder_n though_o we_o be_v overrun_v with_o swarm_n of_o vagrant_a thought_n when_o therefore_o our_o evil_a thought_n arise_v from_o gross_a neglect_n and_o carelessness_n they_o then_o may_v be_v account_v voluntary_a and_o charge_v on_o we_o as_o sin_n 3._o though_o evil_a thought_n may_v be_v involuntary_a at_o the_o first_o start_v of_o they_o be_v occasion_v by_o what_o we_o can_v not_o avoid_v hear_v or_o see_v or_o come_v upon_o we_o unaware_o or_o proceed_v from_o the_o temper_n and_o habit_n of_o our_o body_n or_o the_o accidental_a impulse_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n in_o our_o brain_n which_o be_v the_o most_o immediate_a instrument_n the_o soul_n use_v in_o her_o operation_n though_o thus_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o evil_a thought_n may_v be_v involuntary_a yet_o if_o we_o with_o pleasure_n entertain_v and_o cherish_v they_o if_o our_o fancy_n be_v tickle_v by_o they_o if_o they_o be_v delightful_a and_o grateful_a to_o we_o this_o
necessity_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n till_o by_o degree_n we_o come_v to_o a_o love_n and_o like_n of_o goodness_n and_o religion_n and_o then_o holy_a pious_a and_o devout_a thought_n will_v be_v easy_a free_a and_o almost_o natural_a to_o we_o it_o be_v i_o grant_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o look_v after_o your_o thought_n whilst_o your_o mind_n be_v estrange_v from_o god_n but_o a_o renew_a mind_n a_o new_a heart_n as_o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o will_v produce_v new_a and_o other-ghess_a thought_n as_o the_o fountain_n be_v such_o will_v the_o stream_n be_v where_o the_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v the_o heart_n be_v also_o a_o evil_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n nor_o can_v we_o gather_v fig_n from_o thorn_n or_o grape_n from_o thistle_n evil_a thought_n lust_n foolish_a imagination_n be_v the_o natural_a genuine_a spawn_n of_o a_o wild_a dishonest_a mind_n when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n say_v st._n paul_n i_o think_v as_o a_o child_n i_o speak_v as_o a_o child_n but_o when_o i_o become_v a_o man_n i_o put_v away_o childish_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o wise_a man_n after_o that_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n and_o his_o mind_n be_v furnish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o best_a and_o worthy_a thing_n to_o please_v himself_o with_o those_o silly_a fancy_n and_o childish_a imagination_n which_o be_v the_o entertainment_n and_o diversion_n of_o his_o young_a raw_a year_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o impossible_a for_o any_o one_o who_o be_v deep_o touch_v with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o excellent_a to_o endure_v such_o silly_a worldly_a extravagant_a thought_n as_o possess_v his_o soul_n and_o please_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n how_o do_v i_o love_v thy_o law_n say_v david_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n day_n and_o night_n this_o be_v the_o first_o rule_n look_v after_o your_o heart_n and_o affection_n 2._o and_o more_o particular_o consider_v what_o care_n and_o art_n wicked_a man_n use_v to_o prevent_v good_a thought_n and_o let_v we_o use_v the_o same_o diligence_n and_o endeavour_n to_o hinder_v evil_a and_o wicked_a thought_n and_o motion_n there_o be_v no_o man_n especial_o that_o life_n in_o any_o place_n where_o religion_n be_v profess_v and_o in_o any_o tolerable_a credit_n that_o can_v go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n without_o some_o regret_n and_o remorse_n sometime_o his_o conscience_n will_v find_v a_o time_n to_o speak_v to_o he_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n will_v ever_o and_o anon_o be_v stir_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o disturb_v the_o repose_n and_o jollity_n of_o the_o most_o secure_a and_o harden_a sinner_n now_o to_o one_o resolve_o wicked_a such_o thought_n of_o a_o judge_n a_o future_a account_n and_o everlasting_a punishment_n can_v but_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o unwelcome_a and_o therefore_o do_v he_o strive_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o stifle_v such_o chill_a thought_n in_o their_o very_a first_o rise_v to_o silence_n or_o drown_v the_o whisper_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o will_v fain_o even_o run_v away_o from_o himself_o he_o choose_v any_o diversion_n entertainment_n or_o company_n rather_o than_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o reason_n be_v afraid_a of_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o be_v alone_o and_o unemployed_a lest_o such_o ghastly_a and_o fright_v apprehension_n shall_v crowd_n in_o upon_o he_o he_o keep_v himself_o therefore_o always_o in_o a_o hurry_n and_o heat_n and_o by_o many_o other_o artifices_fw-la endeavour_n to_o shut_v all_o such_o cool_a and_o sober_a thought_n out_o of_o his_o mind_n till_o by_o often_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n and_o resist_v the_o light_n and_o voice_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o by_o degree_n lose_v all_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n all_o good_a principle_n be_v lay_v asleep_a within_o he_o and_o he_o arrive_v at_o his_o wished-for_a happy_a state_n of_o sin_v without_o disturbance_n or_o interruption_n now_o if_o we_o will_v but_o use_v equal_a diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n to_o prevent_v or_o expel_v evil_a thought_n we_o shall_v find_v just_a the_o same_o effect_n that_o in_o time_n our_o mind_n will_v become_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n free_a from_o their_o solicitation_n and_o importunity_n will_v we_o but_o present_o reject_v they_o with_o the_o great_a disdain_n and_o indignation_n use_v all_o manner_n of_o mean_n to_o fix_v our_o mind_n on_o more_o innocent_a and_o useful_a subject_n avoid_v all_o occasion_n or_o provocation_n or_o incentives_n to_o evil_a thought_n as_o careful_o as_o wicked_a man_n do_v read_v a_o good_a book_n or_o keep_n of_o good_a company_n we_o certain_o shall_v find_v in_o a_o short_a time_n our_o mind_n no_o long_o pester_v or_o trouble_v with_o they_o we_o shall_v begin_v to_o lose_v all_o savour_n and_o relish_v of_o those_o sin_n we_o former_o delight_v in_o by_o their_o be_v for_o some_o considerable_a time_n keep_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n there_o will_v arise_v a_o strangeness_n between_o they_o and_o we_o and_o they_o will_v become_v as_o uneasy_a to_o we_o as_o now_o they_o be_v pleasant_a and_o grateful_a 3._o will_v you_o prevent_v evil_a thought_n above_o all_o thing_n avoid_v idleness_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v busy_a and_o restless_a something_o they_o must_v be_v do_v and_o what_o a_o number_n of_o monstrous_a giddy_a frothy_a improbable_a conceit_n do_v daily_o fill_v our_o brain_n mere_o for_o want_v of_o better_a employment_n no_o better_a way_n therefore_o to_o prevent_v evil_a thought_n than_o never_o to_o be_v at_o leisure_n for_o they_o i_o go_v by_o the_o field_n of_o the_o slothful_a say_v solomon_n and_o lo_o it_o be_v all_o grow_v over_o with_o thorn_n and_o nettle_n and_o therefore_o indeed_o those_o be_v most_o of_o all_o concern_v in_o this_o discourse_n about_o thought_n who_o providence_n have_v place_v in_o such_o a_o station_n as_o that_o they_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o mind_v any_o particular_a call_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o livelihood_n for_o who_o god_n have_v provide_v a_o subsistence_n without_o their_o own_o labour_v and_o work_v for_o it_o such_o as_o these_o be_v in_o manifest_a danger_n of_o consume_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o time_n in_o idle_a and_o unprofitable_a if_o not_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a imagination_n have_v little_a else_o to_o do_v the_o devil_n or_o their_o own_o vain_a fancy_n will_v find_v work_n for_o they_o and_o when_o consideration_n and_o argument_n alone_o be_v not_o able_a to_o drive_v out_o these_o wicked_a inward_a companion_n yet_o business_n will_v and_o therefore_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o advisable_v than_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o store_v with_o fit_a material_n and_o subject_n to_o exercise_v our_o thought_n upon_o such_o as_o be_v worthy_a of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o those_o who_o be_v most_o busy_a yet_o have_v some_o little_a space_n and_o interval_n of_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v not_o employ_v some_o man_n business_n be_v such_o as_o though_o it_o employ_v their_o hand_n and_o require_v bodily_a labour_n yet_o do_v not_o much_o take_v up_o their_o thought_n nor_o need_v their_o mind_n be_v very_a intent_n upon_o it_o now_o all_o such_o shall_v constant_o have_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o treasure_n of_o innocent_a or_o useful_a subject_n to_o think_v upon_o that_o so_o they_o may_v never_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o employ_v their_o mind_n for_o many_o of_o our_o evil_a thought_n be_v owe_v to_o this_o that_o when_o our_o time_n hang_v upon_o our_o hand_n we_o be_v to_o seek_v what_o to_o think_v of_o let_v we_o therefore_o every_o one_o resolve_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o the_o first_o opportunity_n of_o leisure_n i_o have_v the_o first_o vacant_a hour_n i_o will_v set_v myself_o to_o consider_v of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o good_a subject_n and_o have_v this_o always_o in_o readiness_n to_o confront_v and_o oppose_v to_o any_o wicked_a or_o evil_a thought_n that_o may_v sue_v for_o entrance_n or_o admission_n for_o if_o we_o do_v thus_o temptation_n will_v always_o find_v our_o mind_n full_a and_o prepossess_v and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o neither_o the_o visible_a nor_o invisible_a world_n neither_o god_n work_n nor_o providence_n nor_o word_n can_v supply_v we_o with_o matter_n enough_o for_o our_o thought_n unless_o we_o feign_v extravagant_a conceit_n or_o repeat_v our_o old_a sin_n in_o our_o mind_n or_o tickle_v ourselves_o with_o wild_a supposition_n of_o thing_n that_o never_o be_v
come_v of_o evil_a i._n e._n whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o bare_a affirm_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v still_o in_o our_o communication_n in_o our_o ordinary_a talk_n and_o discourse_n be_v from_o evil_a from_o man_n so_o common_o break_v of_o promise_n and_o speak_v of_o falsity_n from_o whence_o that_o lewd_a custom_n of_o add_v oath_n proceed_v because_o they_o can_v be_v believe_v without_o they_o now_o therefore_o since_o our_o saviour_n be_v here_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o govern_v our_o common_a discourse_n and_o conversation_n together_o the_o prohibition_n also_o in_o the_o beginning_n must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o same_o matter_n and_o so_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v this_o in_o your_o communication_n familiari_fw-la sermone_fw-la in_o your_o common_a talk_n use_v no_o swear_n not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o any_o creature_n but_o let_v it_o suffice_v bare_o to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v and_o be_v always_o so_o true_a to_o your_o word_n that_o nothing_o far_o need_v be_v desire_v or_o expect_v from_o you_o all_o other_o confirmation_n in_o such_o ordinary_a affair_n be_v practise_v only_o by_o such_o as_o be_v use_v to_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v and_o intend_v to_o impose_v upon_o other_o 3._o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o forbid_v all_o swear_n whatever_o cause_n there_o may_v be_v for_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o unlawful_a we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o certain_o understand_v his_o master_n mind_n in_o this_o particular_a now_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v so_o often_o swear_v and_o that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n too_o that_o such_o his_o oath_n shall_v be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o his_o sin_v in_o so_o do_v if_o all_o swear_n be_v utter_o prohibit_v by_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n i_o shall_v propound_v two_o or_o three_o eminent_a instance_n to_o show_v that_o in_o serious_a and_o great_a matter_n of_o mighty_a concernment_n he_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o add_v the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o oath_n gal._n 1.20_o now_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o behold_v before_o god_n i_o lie_v not_o he_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o writing_n by_o a_o express_a oath_n rom._n 1.9_o for_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v that_o without_o cease_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o always_o in_o my_o prayer_n it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o epistle_n he_o shall_v persuade_v those_o to_o who_o he_o do_v address_v himself_o of_o his_o goodwill_n towards_o they_o how_o well_o therefore_o he_o do_v wish_v they_o he_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v which_o be_v the_o formal_a essence_n of_o a_o oath_n thus_o again_o to_o name_v no_o more_o 2_o cor._n 11.31_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v bless_v for_o evermore_o know_v that_o i_o lie_v not_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a appeal_n to_o god_n testimony_n so_o that_o when_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a good_a be_v engage_v he_o think_v it_o not_o unlawful_a to_o invoke_v god_n holy_a name_n and_o to_o call_v his_o majesty_n for_o a_o witness_n of_o his_o truth_n or_o the_o avenger_n of_o his_o falsehood_n thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o stand_v before_o the_o highpriest_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o answer_v upon_o oath_n matth._n 26.63_o the_o highpriest_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o adjure_v thou_o by_o the_o live_a god_n that_o thou_o tell_v we_o whether_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o form_n of_o give_v a_o oath_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n answer_v thou_o have_v say_v that_o be_v upon_o my_o oath_n it_o be_v as_o thou_o say_v nay_o to_o make_v all_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o swear_v when_o it_o be_v do_v grave_o and_o serious_o and_o upon_o a_o important_a occasion_n that_o require_v it_o we_o find_v that_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o his_o oath_n though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o lie_v yet_o that_o we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n and_o full_a assurance_n to_o show_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n he_o confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n and_o when_o he_o can_v not_o swear_v by_o a_o great_a he_o swear_v by_o himself_o heb._n 6.13_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v very_o absurd_a to_o deny_v among_o christian_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o do_v that_o though_o upon_o never_o so_o great_a reason_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o often_o do_v nay_o which_o god_n almighty_a who_o be_v truth_n itself_o do_v yet_o vouchsafe_v out_o of_o condescension_n to_o our_o weakness_n to_o do_v more_o than_o once_o not_o now_o to_o mention_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n both_o of_o which_o have_v in_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o oath_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v sacrament_n 4._o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o swear_v right_o circumstance_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o evil_a and_o so_o universal_o forbid_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o divine_a adoration_n by_o which_o we_o do_v most_o signal_o own_v and_o recognize_v god_n almighty_a to_o be_v the_o great_a sovereign_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n the_o high_a and_o supreme_a power_n to_o which_o the_o last_o and_o final_a appeal_n be_v in_o all_o case_n to_o be_v make_v by_o it_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o immensity_n of_o his_o presence_n his_o exact_a knowledge_n and_o continual_a care_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o happen_v here_o below_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n that_o he_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o be_v conscious_a to_o our_o most_o inward_a thought_n and_o secret_a meaning_n we_o do_v by_o it_o avow_v he_o as_o the_o grand_a patron_n of_o truth_n and_o innocence_n as_o the_o severe_a punisher_n and_o avenger_n of_o deceit_n and_o perfidiousness_n and_o therefore_o do_v god_n often_o in_o holy_a scripture_n appropriate_v this_o to_o himself_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v and_o to_o he_o shall_v thou_o cleave_v and_o shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n and_o if_o this_o be_v do_v with_o that_o consideration_n and_o solemnity_n which_o do_v become_v such_o a_o special_a part_n of_o devotion_n upon_o a_o occasion_n that_o do_v deserve_v and_o that_o will_v in_o some_o measure_n excuse_v our_o engage_v the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o a_o witness_n in_o it_o i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v perform_v with_o due_a awe_n and_o reverence_n with_o hearty_a intention_n for_o a_o considerable_a good_a we_o do_v thus_o call_v upon_o god_n when_o we_o swear_v by_o he_o honour_n and_o glorify_v his_o great_a and_o holy_a name_n as_o well_o as_o by_o prayer_n or_o praise_n or_o any_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n whatever_o 5._o add_v to_o this_o the_o necessity_n of_o take_v oath_n in_o order_n to_o civil_a government_n public_a administration_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o maintain_n of_o good_a order_n and_o peace_n in_o society_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o heb._n 6.16_o that_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n to_o man_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o that_o not_o by_o particular_a custom_n and_o law_n prevail_v in_o some_o place_n only_o but_o from_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o fitness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n for_o as_o far_o and_o wide_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v spread_v itself_o have_v also_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o final_a determination_n of_o matter_n in_o difference_n by_o call_v to_o witness_v the_o lord_n and_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n and_o the_o sure_a pledge_n any_o can_v give_v of_o their_o faith_n and_o sincerity_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v sufficient_a or_o effectual_a to_o engage_v man_n to_o speak_v truth_n or_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o constant_a to_o their_o promise_n if_o a_o oath_n do_v not_o he_o must_v sure_o renounce_v all_o sense_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n all_o conscience_n of_o duty_n or_o regard_n to_o the_o almighty_n love_n and_o favour_n who_o can_v with_o open_a face_n call_v he_o to_o testify_v to_o a_o lie_n or_o challenge_v he_o to_o punish_v he_o if_o he_o speak_v not_o true_a when_o yet_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o know_v he_o do_v not_o this_o be_v the_o great_a security_n man_n can_v give_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o
those_o who_o humble_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o to_o strengthen_v they_o in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o join_v with_o and_o second_v their_o faithful_a endeavour_n he_o will_v never_o fail_v a_o honest_a mind_n nay_o he_o do_v first_o strive_v with_o man_n prevent_v and_o surprise_v they_o by_o his_o good_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n he_o do_v not_o slight_a any_o weak_a attempt_n but_o cherish_v the_o very_a first_o beginning_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n he_o do_v not_o forsake_v we_o at_o our_o first_o refusal_n but_o still_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n knock_v wait_v our_o amendment_n he_o be_v always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o help_v and_o succour_v we_o under_o all_o temptation_n or_o discouragement_n that_o we_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n he_o have_v appoint_v many_o excellent_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o even_o to_o this_o day_n have_v continue_v his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n in_o the_o world_n to_o beseech_v man_n in_o his_o name_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 4._o he_o have_v engage_v we_o to_o the_o do_v of_o god_n will_n by_o most_o glorious_a reward_n even_o everlasting_a pleasure_n and_o immortal_a happiness_n such_o as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o can_v it_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v and_o still_o far_o that_o no_o mean_n may_v be_v omit_v likely_a to_o work_v upon_o reasonable_a creature_n he_o have_v denounce_v most_o severe_a threaten_n against_o all_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o his_o gracious_a offer_n even_o eternal_a flame_n remediless_a torment_n and_o misery_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v doom_v for_o ever_o to_o the_o company_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o fate_n of_o devil_n and_o infernal_a fiend_n thus_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v propound_v the_o most_o proper_a object_n of_o fear_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o also_o present_v the_o most_o desirable_a object_n of_o hope_n to_o encourage_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o all_o this_o that_o we_o can_v possible_o desire_v he_o have_v confirm_v and_o establish_v his_o doctrine_n not_o only_o by_o those_o undoubted_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o suffering_n he_o undergo_v in_o attestation_n to_o its_o truth_n and_o divinity_n but_o also_o by_o his_o own_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o visible_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n where_o in_o our_o nature_n he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o that_o eternal_a joy_n which_o he_o purchase_v for_o we_o and_o live_v for_o ever_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o to_o protect_v and_o rule_v his_o church_n to_o distribute_v his_o gift_n and_o grace_n to_o subdue_v all_o our_o enemy_n and_o at_o last_o to_o instate_v all_o his_o true_a disciple_n in_o the_o same_o glory_n and_o eternal_a life_n he_o be_v now_o possess_v of_o and_o so_o to_o become_v their_o complete_a saviour_n all_o this_o be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a description_n of_o but_o a_o little_a part_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v real_o do_v towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o sinner_n for_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v have_v be_v do_v towards_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n which_o this_o jesus_n have_v not_o do_v for_o we_o and_o i_o believe_v all_o the_o world_n may_v be_v challenge_v to_o name_v any_o one_o help_n motive_n or_o encouragement_n to_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o god_n that_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n of_o man_n and_o of_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o afford_v to_o we_o by_o this_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o mediate_v for_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v therefore_o that_o christ_n save_v sinner_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v rom._n 1.16_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o then_o to_o the_o greek_a it_o be_v most_o admirable_o contrive_v to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v design_v for_o the_o open_n of_o man_n eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n and_o this_o the_o holy_a scripture_n often_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v redeem_v we_o from_o our_o vain_a conversation_n renew_v our_o mind_n and_o form_v they_o over_o again_o and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o towards_o the_o procure_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o peace_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o will_v not_o be_v in_o the_o least_o available_a for_o our_o benefit_n unless_o he_o first_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n by_o wash_v and_o cleanse_v our_o nature_n and_o subdue_a all_o our_o lust_n and_o inordinate_a passion_n and_o make_v we_o conformable_a to_o his_o own_o image_n in_o true_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n it_o will_v be_v no_o advantage_n to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v into_o this_o world_n unless_o he_o be_v form_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o become_v new_a creature_n such_o as_o he_o require_v we_o to_o be_v now_o in_o all_o this_o our_o saviour_n deal_v with_o man_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n as_o rational_a governable_a creature_n move_v they_o by_o hope_n and_o fear_n draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n and_o will_v have_v heaven_n and_o happiness_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o own_o virtuous_a choice_n and_o free_a obedience_n the_o short_a of_o all_o be_v this_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o as_o at_o this_o time_n he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v to_o man_n god_n almighty_a out_o of_o his_o infinite_a compassion_n to_o his_o degenerate_a creature_n have_v prescribe_v such_o method_n appoint_v such_o mean_n give_v such_o example_n encouragement_n assistence_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v think_v fit_a and_o likely_a to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n but_o what_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n have_v therein_o most_o abundant_o supply_v we_o with_o unless_o we_o will_v have_v he_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n and_o force_v we_o to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o happy_a whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o which_o will_v be_v to_o alter_v our_o nature_n and_o make_v we_o another_o sort_n of_o creature_n but_o such_o care_n be_v take_v such_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o our_o happiness_n that_o we_o have_v nothing_o leave_v we_o but_o only_o the_o power_n of_o be_v miserable_a if_o it_o be_v our_o resolve_a mind_n notwithstanding_o all_o possible_a obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v so_o if_o man_n will_v stop_v their_o ear_n against_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o charmer_n though_o he_o charm_v never_o so_o wise_o if_o they_o will_v choose_v court_n and_o embrace_v sin_n and_o ruin_n if_o the_o strong_a argument_n will_v not_o prevail_v if_o the_o most_o forcible_a engagement_n will_v not_o persuade_v if_o neither_o the_o most_o glorious_a promise_n nor_o the_o severe_a threaten_n nor_o interest_n nor_o self-love_n nor_o any_o of_o those_o consideration_n by_o which_o man_n be_v sway_v in_o other_o affair_n will_v at_o all_o move_v they_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n they_o must_v perish_v and_o that_o most_o deserve_o and_o inrecoverable_o if_o after_o all_o this_o sinner_n will_v die_v and_o be_v damn_v even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o spite_n of_o heaven_n maugre_o all_o that_o god_n or_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o they_o they_o must_v even_o thank_v themselves_o for_o it_o and_o be_v only_o to_o charge_v it_o upon_o their_o own_o wilful_a and_o incurable_a folly_n and_o base_a contempt_n of_o such_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o show_v you_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n the_o son_n of_o god_n true_o become_v our_o jesus_n or_o saviour_n by_o save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n ii_o it_o only_a remain_v that_o in_o a_o few_o word_n i_o draw_v some_o conclusion_n from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v 1._o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v best_a secure_v and_o exalt_v by_o a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o shift_v off_o all_o duty_n and_o work_n from_o ourselves_o upon_o he_o alone_o leave_v it_o whole_o to_o he_o to_o save_v we_o if_o he_o please_v without_o any_o care_n or_o trouble_v of_o we_o nor_o trust_v to_o and_o rely_v altogether_o upon_o his_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n without_o any_o of_o our_o own_o since_o as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o he_o must_v save_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o
fortuitous_a circumstance_n who_o in_o all_o thing_n keep_v a_o exact_a conscience_n and_o in_o all_o time_n place_n and_o condition_n act_n by_o the_o same_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o steady_o pursue_v what_o be_v good_a and_o honest_a whatever_o he_o may_v lose_v or_o suffer_v by_o it_o will_v you_o know_v say_v seneca_n who_o i_o call_v a_o good_a and_o perfect_a man_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o one_o quem_fw-la malum_fw-la facere_fw-la nulla_fw-la vis_fw-la nulla_fw-la necessitas_fw-la potest_fw-la who_o no_o outward_a force_n no_o exigence_n or_o turn_n of_o affair_n neither_o prospect_n of_o advantage_n nor_o fear_v of_o inconvenience_n can_v ever_o prevail_v with_o to_o do_v a_o evil_a or_o base_a action_n who_o can_v never_o be_v sway_v by_o any_o particular_a sinister_a interest_n to_o do_v that_o which_o his_o own_o mind_n inward_o disapprove_v and_o condemn_v a_o true_o honest_a man_n consider_v not_o what_o will_v take_v best_a or_o please_v most_o whether_o it_o will_v prove_v for_o his_o credit_n or_o profit_n whether_o he_o shall_v gain_v or_o lose_v friend_n by_o it_o whether_o it_o will_v hinder_v or_o further_o his_o advancement_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o all_o case_n inviolable_o keep_v to_o what_o be_v fit_a just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o behave_v himself_o as_o become_v a_o good_a honest_a man_n be_v whole_o unconcern_v for_o the_o success_n and_o event_n of_o what_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v he_o be_v resolve_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o to_o maintain_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n let_v the_o world_n go_v as_o it_o will_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o crafty_a wise_a politician_n of_o this_o world_n live_v by_o no_o certain_a law_n profess_v believe_v practise_v this_o religion_n or_o that_o or_o none_o at_o all_o as_o may_v best_o suit_v with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o juncture_n of_o affair_n or_o with_o those_o particular_a private_a design_n which_o they_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o their_o action_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o giddy_a and_o uncertain_a measure_n of_o interest_n and_o worldly_a policy_n and_o though_o sometime_o if_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v for_o their_o interest_n so_o to_o do_v they_o may_v seem_v to_o speak_v and_o act_v as_o fair_o as_o any_o man_n whatever_o yet_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n to_o promote_v their_o temporal_a safety_n and_o advantage_n or_o some_o other_o bye_n and_o selfish_a design_n they_o shall_v not_o refuse_v to_o commit_v the_o base_a and_o foul_a crime_n now_o that_o which_o i_o will_v persuade_v you_o to_o from_o these_o word_n be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o your_o action_n you_o will_v govern_v yourselves_o by_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o honesty_n and_o always_o steadfast_o adhere_v to_o your_o plain_a duty_n though_o never_o so_o high_o tempt_v to_o swerve_v from_o it_o till_o i_o die_v i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o my_o righteousness_n i_o hold_v fast_o and_o will_v not_o let_v it_o go_v my_o heart_n shall_v not_o reproach_v i_o so_o long_o as_o i_o live_v i_o shall_v handle_v these_o word_n i._n more_o particular_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o job_n by_o who_o they_o be_v speak_v ii_o more_o general_o as_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o man_n in_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n i._o as_o to_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o job_n we_o all_o know_v he_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o most_o eminent_a example_n of_o a_o invincible_a resolution_n and_o unshaken_a constancy_n in_o maintain_v his_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n in_o two_o very_a different_a fortune_n the_o one_o high_o prosperous_a and_o flourish_a the_o other_o no_o less_o strange_o adverse_a and_o calamitous_a both_o which_o one_o after_o another_o by_o god_n wise_a providence_n do_v befall_v he_o for_o the_o more_o illustrious_a trial_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o sincere_a and_o disintere_v loyalty_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o determine_v in_o which_o of_o these_o two_o state_n he_o meet_v with_o the_o great_a temptation_n whether_o he_o find_v it_o the_o more_o difficult_a task_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o that_o splendid_a and_o plentiful_a condition_n he_o be_v once_o in_o or_o to_o hold_v fast_o his_o righteousness_n in_o that_o deplorable_a poverty_n and_o want_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v at_o last_o reduce_v unto_o for_o without_o doubt_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o high_a place_n and_o a_o uninterrupted_a prosperity_n be_v as_o great_a snare_n and_o as_o dangerous_a temptation_n and_o often_o prove_v as_o fatal_a nay_o i_o may_v say_v be_v general_o more_o apt_a to_o draw_v man_n aside_o from_o the_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n than_o the_o severe_a affliction_n or_o the_o most_o surprise_v calamity_n and_o outward_a cross_n so_o that_o job_n perhaps_o be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o as_o hard_o to_o be_v imitate_v in_o his_o virtue_n and_o piety_n when_o he_o be_v the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o east_n as_o in_o his_o submission_n meekness_n and_o patience_n when_o he_o become_v the_o miserable_a spectacle_n that_o eye_n ever_o behold_v 1._o job_n in_o his_o most_o prosperous_a state_n hold_v fast_o his_o righteousness_n and_o will_v not_o let_v it_o go_v though_o he_o enjoy_v all_o the_o pleasure_n riches_n and_o worldly_a satisfaction_n that_o the_o most_o ambitious_a or_o covetous_a mind_n can_v crave_v yet_o he_o be_v so_o strict_o religious_a and_o temperate_a that_o when_o he_o be_v deprive_v and_o strip_v of_o all_o and_o leave_v as_o bare_a and_o as_o naked_a as_o he_o be_v when_o he_o first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n his_o mind_n can_v not_o reproach_v nor_o condemn_v he_o for_o any_o unworthy_a or_o unhandsome_a carriage_n for_o any_o one_o notorious_a failure_n in_o his_o duty_n that_o shall_v provoke_v god_n to_o deal_v so_o harsh_o with_o he_o his_o three_o friend_n indeed_o unadvised_o fall_v into_o that_o fault_n which_o be_v so_o common_a among_o we_o even_o to_o this_o day_n of_o judge_v and_o censure_v man_n by_o their_o outward_a condition_n and_o by_o what_o befall_v they_o in_o this_o life_n they_o can_v not_o imagine_v that_o such_o unheard-of_a calamity_n can_v betide_v a_o innocent_a person_n when_o therefore_o they_o see_v so_o great_a a_o lord_n and_o prince_n in_o so_o forlorn_a a_o plight_n he_o who_o but_o a_o little_a before_o all_o man_n call_v bless_v and_o account_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n sit_v among_o the_o ash_n and_o scrape_v his_o painful_a boil_n with_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o break_a pot_n they_o present_o begin_v to_o suspect_v his_o piety_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o confess_v those_o grievous_a sin_n which_o have_v pluck_v down_o such_o terrible_a vengeance_n upon_o his_o head_n fond_o presume_v that_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a sinner_n than_o other_o because_o he_o be_v more_o miserable_a and_o unfortunate_a which_o uncharitable_a censure_n force_v from_o this_o excellent_a person_n those_o rhetorical_a and_o pathetical_a vindication_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o action_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o prosperity_n which_o you_o may_v find_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o this_o book_n especial_o in_o the_o 31st_o chapter_n though_o his_o friend_n be_v so_o unkind_a as_o to_o reproach_v and_o condemn_v he_o as_o guilty_a of_o some_o notorious_a crime_n whereby_o he_o have_v just_o deserve_v all_o those_o evil_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o he_o yet_o his_o own_o conscience_n a_o more_o impartial_a judge_n acquit_v he_o and_o speak_v peace_n to_o he_o he_o be_v not_o afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o have_v all_o his_o life_n past_o impartial_o and_o thorough_o examine_v and_o whatever_o he_o have_v do_v expose_v to_o public_a view_n and_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n nay_o he_o dare_v appeal_v to_o god_n himself_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o call_v the_o righteous_a and_o impartial_a judge_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o his_o uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n he_o challenge_v even_o his_o very_a enemy_n those_o who_o have_v the_o least_o kindness_n for_o he_o to_o draw_v up_o a_o bill_n against_o he_o and_o to_o try_v if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n whereof_o to_o accuse_v he_o he_o be_v so_o just_a so_o humble_a so_o moderate_a so_o charitable_a when_o he_o be_v in_o power_n and_o prosperity_n that_o none_o either_o envy_v his_o greatness_n or_o rejoice_v at_o his_o fall_n with_o such_o prudence_n and_o sobriety_n with_o such_o integrity_n and_o temper_n do_v he_o manage_v a_o great_a and_o magnificent_a fortune_n that_o in_o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o
shall_v all_o this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o rehearse_v and_o whatever_o else_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o which_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v do_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n shall_v it_o all_o amount_v to_o repentance_n yet_o where_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o for_o those_o indeed_o who_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n have_v do_v god_n will_n their_o repentance_n shall_v be_v accept_v for_o what_o they_o have_v fall_v short_a in_o or_o those_o few_o thing_n they_o have_v miscarry_v and_o transgress_v in_o and_o which_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o have_v need_n to_o lament_v over_o but_o i_o can_v think_v that_o a_o short_a repentance_n at_o last_o be_v ever_o intend_v to_o answer_v for_o a_o universal_a disobedience_n and_o a_o whole_a life_n of_o wickedness_n for_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v require_v as_o a_o preparative_n for_o christianity_n and_o be_v therefore_o account_v necessary_a in_o adult_n person_n even_o before_o their_o baptism_n but_o then_o by_o our_o christian_a profession_n which_o we_o take_v upon_o we_o in_o baptism_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o more_o viz._n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o purity_n and_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o to_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o another_o world_n without_o live_v well_o here_o be_v against_o our_o own_o very_a bargain_n and_o that_o agreement_n and_o covenant_n which_o we_o make_v with_o god_n in_o our_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o express_o promise_v to_o walk_v in_o god_n holy_a commandment_n all_o our_o day_n and_o therefore_o this_o keep_v god_n command_n must_v be_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o obtain_v the_o reward_n as_o sorrow_n for_o or_o forsake_v of_o our_o sin_n this_o i_o shall_v illustrate_v brief_o thus_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o righteousness_n and_o of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n be_v not_o like_o two_o road_n that_o lie_v nigh_o or_o parallel_v one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o with_o ease_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n a_o man_n may_v step_v out_o of_o one_o into_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v perfect_o opposite_a and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n for_o a_o great_a reward_n be_v oblige_v in_o one_o day_n between_o sunrising_n and_o sunsetting_a to_o travel_v so_o many_o mile_n northward_o and_o moreover_o by_o a_o solemn_a oath_n as_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n engage_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o that_o the_o man_n free_o presume_v he_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o do_v this_o in_o do_v not_o set_v out_o at_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o the_o sun_n but_o loiter_v and_o trifle_n away_o all_o his_o time_n nay_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o for_o his_o pleasure_n or_o some_o little_a convenience_n he_o travel_v the_o quite_o contrary_a way_n and_o go_v southward_o and_o find_v that_o road_n very_o smooth_a broad_a and_o full_a of_o company_n and_o diversion_n be_v by_o any_o little_a temptation_n drill_v on_o still_o far_a in_o it_o whole_o forget_v his_o bargain_n till_o on_o a_o sudden_a the_o sun_n be_v just_a ready_a to_o set_v night_n come_v on_o apace_o and_o then_o the_o wretch_n begin_v to_o consider_v how_o much_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o way_n and_o find_v himself_o weary_a and_o tire_a and_o unfit_a for_o travel_v and_o curse_v his_o own_o folly_n and_o promise_v if_o he_o be_v to_o begin_v again_o he_o will_v go_v direct_o to_o the_o place_n command_v but_o by_o that_o time_n he_o have_v thus_o resolve_v the_o sun_n be_v set_v shall_v this_o man_n now_o obtain_v the_o promise_a reward_n alas_o before_o he_o can_v challenge_v that_o he_o must_v first_o return_v back_o all_o the_o way_n he_o have_v go_v even_o to_o the_o point_n from_o whence_o he_o first_o set_v out_o and_o also_o after_o that_o will_v have_v his_o whole_a day_n journey_n still_o to_o go_v and_o all_o that_o task_n to_o 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